Isolation and biocontrol of bacteriophages from wastewater in the city of Lomé, Togo: potential application as a novel source for antimicrobial therapy

1Ouedraogo, A. K., *1Hoekou, Y., 2Gbekley, H. E., 1Pissang, P., 1Kpatagnon K., 1Sossou, K., 2Melila, M., 3Djeri, B., and 1Tchacondo, T.

1Laboratory of Biomedical and Food Sciences and Environmental Health, Advanced School of Biological and Food Processing Techniques, Université de Lomé, Togo
2Faculty of Sciences, Laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry, Université de Lomé, Togo
3Laboratory of Microbiology and Food Quality Control, Advanced School of Biological and Food Processing Techniques, Université de Lomé, Togo

*Correspondence to: yhoekou@gmail.com; 0022890259591

Abstract:
Background: Bacteriophages offer one of the most promising solutions to the challenges of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria. The aim of this study is to investigate bacteriophages as a source of new antimicrobial therapy.

Methodology: Waste water samples were randomly collected from 8 different locations in the city of Lomé for bacteriophage isolation. The phages were isolated using multi-resistant clinical isolates (Escherichia coli 1642 and Staphylococcus aureus 0868) as hosts by means of a spot test. The host range of the phages was determined also by a spot test using 8 other clinical bacterial isolates including two reference strains (E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213). The virulence of the phages and their effects on bacterial growth were assessed by in vitro experiments using E. coli 1642 BBec phage suspension. Continue reading “Isolation and biocontrol of bacteriophages from wastewater in the city of Lomé, Togo: potential application as a novel source for antimicrobial therapy”